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Let's face it: Thanksgiving is a lot of work. Between the stuffings and the sides, and the gravies, and the pies, the fourth Thursday in November is hardly a day off. The holiday is one of our favorites, but by the time the turkey is on the table, we're usually just thankful to be done.

This year we're doing it differently. Instead of knocking ourselves out on Thursday, we're going to prepare the meal in advance. We'll do the cranberry sauce on Monday and pop some cornbread in the freezer, Tuesday we'll make soup, and on Wednesday we'll prep the sides. Thursday all we'll have to do is put the turkey in the oven and throw together a simple salad -- and then we'll sit down, with family and friends, and give our thanks for that.

Comments (11)

I also have followed a similar plan for years. I love my guests and want to spend time with them on Thursday. If I do more than gravy and traffic control (my husband does the bird) on Thursday, I am too frazzled to enjoy the wonderful conversation. The stock, cornbread, and home-made jellied cranberry sauce are made. Sweet potatoes, dressing, & pecan pie tomorrow. Veggie sides,mashed potatoes, salads, and other pies are assigned out. I even enlist set-up, drink master, and clean-up from the guests. No stress, all fun!

Cranberries done, mushroom soup almost done (not liking the dry mushrooms I bought--they're soaking now). I'm cubing the ciabatta & defrosting some chicken broth today. tomorrow or Wednesday I'll mix the pumpkin pie filling to sit in fridge. I think last year all I had to do on the big day was the bird; much more relaxed that way.

Great and very useful post! My Judy Bird is relaxing in the fridge with a salt-rosemary-orange zest rub...this route is SO much simpler than a wet brine...and I made chicken stock last night in my pressure cooker to use for dressing and other sides. Now on to sides and dessert!

I have my cornbread in the oven and my stock (from roasted wings) simmering - sorta following the path y'all laid out! I also have my indentured servants (aka nieces) here Thursday for the final flurry of stuff but am laid out day by day and ready to roll - I have a spreadsheet. I am a dork.

Good prep..and planning is ALl the work. I do this at christmas....This year Thanksgiving is in Nigeria, spiced pumpkin churros may have to suffice in celebration and thanks (made ahead days before and frozen).

I can't imagine trying to do it all on Thursday. This is pretty much how I have done things for years cause there is nothing worse then being the hired help at your own party. Oh, BTW, this is an amazing looking menu.